Education Objectives - Demyelinating

Know the structure and function of myelin, and the electrophysiological consequence of myelin loss.

Know the difference between central and peripheral myelin.

Know that diseases may afflict central myelin, peripheral myelin, or both central and peripheral myelin.

Understand the difference between dysmyelinating versus demyelinating disease.

Know the gross and microscopic features of the main demyelinating disease, and how these correlate with the clinical course of the disease.

Know the classification, etiologies, clinical features, and histologic findings of leukodystrophies.

Know about Guillain-Barré syndrome, as a common disease of peripheral myelin characterized by ascending and potentially life-threatening paralysis.

Understand the pathogenesis and clinical features of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Know the relationship between systemic disorders and demyelination.